Pollution of the aquatic ecosystem by hormone-active substances is a frequently discussed topic these days. Such substances can pass through the sewage treatment plant system and affect aquatic life. This study tested the effect of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on individual zebrafish (Danio rerio) at an environmentally relevant concentration in fish food (10 μg/kg) and at a concentration 100 times higher (1000 μg/kg). This experiment revealed significant changes in the expression of reproductive genes, an increase in vitellogenin levels and histopathological lesions in the testes after EE2 exposure. Additionally, lipid peroxidation and changes in antioxidant enzyme activities were observed at both tested concentrations, along with morphological changes and increased mortality at the higher concentration. Even the environmentally relevant concentration of EE2 poses a danger to the aquatic organisms as it changes D. rerio's reproductive and health parameters, indicating toxicity at molecular, cell, tissue, and organism levels.
- Klíčová slova
- 17α‐ethinylestradiol, fish, gene expression, histopathology, oestrogens, oxidative stress,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The present study aimed to evaluate the biochemical and antioxidant responses of common carp after exposure to the antiepileptic and analgesic drug gabapentin at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/l for 4 weeks. The exposure to the highest two concentrations resulted in significant changes in plasma indices such as glucose (only group 100 μg/l), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipase, creatine kinase (CK), amylase as well as butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Similar trends were found in both groups exposed to the environmentally relevant concentrations (i.e., 0.1 and 1 μg/l). In addition, a significant increase in the ferric-reducing power of the plasma was noted in all treated groups. Numerous changes in antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, as well as lipid peroxidation, were observed especially in the caudal kidney in the group exposed to 100 μg/l. Significant findings were also confirmed in the group exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration (1 μg/l), with a decrease in superoxide dismutase in the gill and an increased lipoperoxidation in the caudal kidney. Our research shows that subchronic exposure to gabapentin may pose a significant risk to non-target aquatic organisms, such as disruption of metabolic pathways or induction of oxidative stress, even at environmentally relevant concentrations.
- Klíčová slova
- enzyme activities, fish, oxidative stress, pharmaceuticals,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
BACKGROUND: There are currently few reports on the normal urinary protein-to-creatinine (UPC) ratio of guinea pigs, and there is little information on the effects of age and sex on this parameter. METHODS: Urinary protein and creatinine concentrations were measured in a total of 161 clinically healthy guinea pigs, and the UPC ratio was subsequently calculated. The effect of age and sex on these parameters was assessed using Mann-Whitney U tests. Using these data, UPC ratio reference ranges were established. RESULTS: Guinea pig pups younger than 6 months had a significantly higher UPC ratio than adult animals (median UPCs of 1.48 and 0.56, respectively). There was no effect of sex on this parameter. The reference range for the UPC ratio in adult guinea pigs was set at 0.12-2.21. For guinea pigs younger than 6 months, the reference range for the UPC ratio was set at 0.4-3.1. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the lack of blood analysis, which could reveal a subclinical health problem that could affect renal function and the extent of proteinuria. CONCLUSION: In guinea pigs, the UPC ratio is influenced by age but not by sex. Therefore, the reference range established for adult guinea pigs cannot be used for pups younger than 6 months.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of quaternary ammonium compounds increased exponentially due to their efficacy as antimicrobials, stabilizers and disinfectants. Among these, Quaternium-15 is a preservative used in the formulation of a variety of personal care products. The increased use of this substance and the resulting persistence in wastewater treatment systems, which are unable to completely remove the Quaternium-15 from the water, is of increasing environmental concern. Using embryotoxicity analyses, this study aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to Quaternium-15 on non-target species and the resulting risks to the environment. Embryotoxicity endpoints such as mortality, hatching, presence of malformations, altered heartbeat and animal length were used to assess the effects on three model organisms (Cyprinus carpio, Danio rerio, Xenopus laevis) were evaluated during a 96-hour exposure to six different concentrations of Quaternium-15 (1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mg/L). The results obtained from the analyses highlighted: significant mortality for all three model organisms in the highest concentrations tested in which all the embryos died after 96 hpf, a delay in hatching of C. carpio and D. rerio compared to the control group, the insurgence of malformations in all the model organisms chosen and a significant decrease in heartbeat rate for the fish models. Each of these observations underlies the negative interaction between the Quaternium-15 and aquatic organisms making necessary further investigation to prevent damage to ecosystems and non-target species.
- Klíčová slova
- Ammonium compounds, Aquatic vertebrates, Embryotoxicity, Emerging contaminants, Personal care products,
- MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * toxicita MeSH
- dánio pruhované * MeSH
- embryo nesavčí * účinky léků MeSH
- kapři * MeSH
- konzervační prostředky farmaceutické toxicita MeSH
- Xenopus laevis MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- konzervační prostředky farmaceutické MeSH
The breed can influence the results of haematological and biochemical blood tests, with sighthounds traditionally mentioned. It may also affect certain urinary parameters. This study aimed to compare urinary protein and creatinine concentrations and their ratio (UPC, urine protein to creatinine ratio) between sighthounds and non-sighthounds and to evaluate these parameters in various sighthound breeds. Urine samples from clinically healthy dogs were collected via normal voiding, representing both sighthound and non-sighthound breeds. The protein and creatinine concentrations in the urine samples were determined, and their ratio was subsequently calculated. A total of 191 urine samples from sighthounds and 90 urine samples from non-sighthound breeds used as a control group were evaluated in the study. In sighthounds, significantly lower urinary protein concentration (248.8 mg/l and 299.8 mg/l, respectively; P = 0.045) and significantly higher urinary creatinine concentration (23.0 mmol/l and 17.5 mmol/l, respectively; P = 0.000) and lower UPC values (0.13 and 0.18, respectively; P = 0.000) were observed in comparison to the entire control group. The UPC values were found to be significantly lower in Greyhounds and Spanish Greyhounds compared with non-sighthounds. Although statistically significant changes were identified, they are unlikely to be of great clinical importance.
- Klíčová slova
- Greyhound, Spanish Greyhound, Whippet, proteinuria, urinalysis,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Determination of the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) is an important tool in the quantification of proteinuria in animals. However, the result may be affected by the different methods of determining the urinary protein concentration. The aim of this study was to compare the turbidimetric method using benzethonium chloride and the colorimetric method using pyrogallol red in the measurement of the urinary protein concentration in dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses. A total of 464, 192, 216 and 119 urine samples from dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses were examined in the study, respectively. The group consisted of animals of both sexes and different ages, and, in the dogs and cats, it included both healthy animals and those with various health problems. In the group of horses and guinea pigs, only clinically healthy animals were included. A total of 347, 185, 103 and 100 samples from the dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses were used in the statistical analysis; the other values were excluded as they were below the detection limit. According to the Passing-Bablok analysis, there was a significant constant and proportional difference in the horses. In the dogs, cats and guinea pigs, there was a significant constant difference, but no proportional difference. The Bland-Altman method showed significant bias between the two methods in the horses and cats, but not in the dogs and guinea pigs. In the dogs and cats, the agreement between the two methods was tested and expressed as Cohen's kappa (κ). In the cats, it was almost perfect for the proteinuric samples (κ = 0.823 3) and significant for the non-proteinuric samples (κ = 0.804 9). In the dogs, the agreement was significant for the non-proteinuric samples (κ = 0.621 5) and only moderate for the proteinuric samples (κ = 0.527 5). The influence of the method used to determine the urinary protein concentration should be taken into account when evaluating the UPC. Repeated examinations in one patient should be performed with the same method.
- Klíčová slova
- UPC, cat, dog, guinea pig, horse, proteinuria,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Personal Care Products (PCPs) have been one of the most studied chemicals in the last twenty years since they were identified as pseudo-persistent pollutants by the European Union in the early 2000s. The accumulation of PCPs in the aquatic environment and their effects on non-target species make it necessary to find new, less harmful, substances. Polyethylene glycol (PEGs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVAs) are two polymers that have increased their presence in the composition of PCPs in recent years, but little is known about the effect of their accumulation in the environment on non-target species. Through embryotoxicity tests on two common models of aquatic organisms (Danio rerio and Xenopus laevis), this work aims to increase the knowledge of PEGs and PVAs' effects on non-target species. Animals were exposed to the pollutant for 96 h. The main embryotoxicity endpoint (mortality, hatching, malformations, heartbeat rate) was recorded every 24 h. The most significant results were hatching delay in Danio rerio exposed to both chemicals, in malformations (oedema, body malformations, changes in pigmentation and deformations of spine and tail) in D. rerio and X. laevis and significant change in the heartbeat rate (decrease or increase in the rate) in both animals for all chemicals tested.
- Klíčová slova
- Aquatic toxicity, Danio rerio, Emerging contaminants, Surface waters, Xenopus laevis,
- MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * toxicita MeSH
- dánio pruhované * MeSH
- embryo nesavčí * účinky léků MeSH
- polyethylenglykoly * toxicita MeSH
- polyvinylalkohol * toxicita chemie MeSH
- testy toxicity MeSH
- Xenopus laevis MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- polyethylenglykoly * MeSH
- polyvinylalkohol * MeSH
Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) containing persistent and potentially hazardous substances have garnered attention for their ubiquitous presence in natural environments. This study investigated the impact of polyethylene glycol (PEG), a common PPCP component, on Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were subjected to two PEG concentrations (E1: 0.1 mg/L and E2: 10 mg/L) over 14 days. Oxidative stress markers in both gills and digestive glands were evaluated; cytotoxicity assays were performed on haemolymph and digestive gland cells. Additionally, cell volume regulation (RVD assay) was investigated to assess physiological PEG-induced alterations. In the gills, PEG reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) at E1. In the digestive gland, only LPO was influenced, while SOD activity and oxidatively modified proteins (OMPs) were unaltered. A significant decrease in cell viability was observed, particularly at E2. Additionally, the RVD assay revealed disruptions in the cells subjected to E2. These findings underscore the effects of PEG exposure on M. galloprovincialis. They are open to further investigations to clarify the environmental implications of PPCPs and the possibility of exploring safer alternatives.
- Klíčová slova
- aquatic pollution, digestive gland, gills, mussels, personal care products,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of emerging environmental contaminants, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) diclofenac (DCF) and ibuprofen (IBP), on physiological functions in juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were exposed for 6 weeks, and for the first time, NSAIDs were administered through diet. Either substance was tested at two concentrations, 20 or 2000 μg/kg, resulting in four different treatments (DCF 20, DCF 2000, IBP 20, IBP 2000). The effects on haematological and biochemical profiles, the biomarkers of oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption were studied, and changes in RNA transcription were also monitored to obtain a comprehensive picture of toxicity. Fish exposure to high concentrations of NSAIDs (DCF 2000, IBP 2000) elicited numerous statistically significant changes (p < 0.05) in the endpoints investigated, with DCF being almost always more efficient than IBP. Compared to control fish, a decrease in total leukocyte count attributed to relative lymphopenia was observed. Plasma concentrations of total proteins, ammonia, and thyroxine, and enzyme activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly elevated in either group, as were the activities of certain hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase) in the DCF 2000 group. The transcriptomic profile of selected genes in the tissues of exposed fish was affected as well. Significant changes in plasma total proteins, ammonia, ALT, and ALP, as well as in the transcription of genes related to thyroid function and the antioxidant defense of the organism, were found even in fish exposed to the lower DCF concentration (DCF 20). As it was chosen to match DCF concentrations commonly detected in aquatic invertebrates (i.e., the potential feed source of fish), it can be considered "environmentally relevant". Future research is necessary to shed more light on the dietary NSAID toxicity to fish.
- Klíčová slova
- Fish, Gene expression, Haematological indices, Oxidative stress, Plasma biochemistry, Thyroid disruption,
- MeSH
- amoniak farmakologie MeSH
- antiflogistika nesteroidní toxicita MeSH
- antioxidancia metabolismus MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * toxicita MeSH
- dietární expozice MeSH
- diklofenak toxicita MeSH
- ibuprofen toxicita MeSH
- kapři * metabolismus MeSH
- oxidační stres MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- amoniak MeSH
- antiflogistika nesteroidní MeSH
- antioxidancia MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- diklofenak MeSH
- ibuprofen MeSH
The study aimed to evaluate and compare the routes and rates of the depletion of the antiparasitic praziquantel (PZQ), a derivative of pyrazinoisoquinoline, following its oral administration in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). We focused on the depletion of PZQ and its major metabolites - cis-hydroxy praziquantel (CPZQ) and trans-hydroxy praziquantel (TPZQ), in water, the plasma, hepatopancreas, kidney, muscle, and skin, following a single oral administration of PZQ in a concentration of 50 mg/kg. Fish were sampled before the drug administration and then eight times in the course of the 30-day-long experiment. Our results indicate the rapid absorption and elimination of PZQ and its metabolites in all the analysed matrices. The most PZQ-burdened tissue was the hepatopancreas, the gill and the skin. In all the samples, the concentration of the drug and its metabolites consistently declined over time. The residue of the parent compound was detected for the longest time in all the tissues. During the study, a significant (P < 0.01) correlation was found within the concentration of PZQ, CPZQ, and TPZQ in the water and all the biological matrices. It was also found that the PZQ residue was not detected below the maximum residue levels (i.e., 20 μg/kg) until 16 days after exposure in the muscle and skin.
- Klíčová slova
- fish, food safety, health, parasites,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
